The two main reasons for a lack of distance with the driver are a poor strike and an incorrect angle of attack. We’re going to tackle both of those here, starting with your angle of attack. We’re in a unique position with the driver in that we can tee the ball up.

Hitting up slightly on the ball is the key to maximising distance, as it will increase the launch angle and reduce backspin. It also helps you hit the ball in the middle of the face, which promotes high launch and low spin.

Tee the ball high and set up with your spine tilted away from the target. Position a headcover about 18 inches in front of the ball on your ball-to-target line.

You should be aiming to miss the headcover on your throughswing. If you attack the ball downward with a steep angle of attack, you’ll hit the headcover. You want to feel like you are swinging from low to high through the ball.

Notice how when done correctly – hitting the ball on the up – you miss the headcover. This drill should encourage a better attack into the ball, better launch conditions and more distance.

Clubface is King

With regard to the strike, obviously hitting the centre of the clubface provides the most ball speed. But most golfers don’t know how often they miss the centre. By using foot spray or face tape you can get feedback on the strike.

Striking the ball out of the toe, for example, is going to encourage the ball to turn draw. With the TaylorMade M1 driver I’m able to slide a weight into that toe section to counteract that drawing shot shape. Positioning more weight behind the impact location will also help maximise ball speed.